In science class, we have embarked on a new unit: Kindergarten Chemistry! Chemistry experiments are perfected suited to young children, as you can carry out an experiment quickly, with very clear results. The experiments can be very exciting and graphically illustrate an idea or concept. We've been working on chemistry for the past few weeks and will continue with this unit for the next month. So far we've discovered what chemicals combine to shine pennies, how liquids mix (and don't mix) and explored the chemistry of color. After the experiments, the students are challenged to draw the experiment and illustrate what happened. This helps reinforce concepts and gives them practice in recording their work.
Is there any way to clean a penny once it gets dull over time? That's the question that the Kindergarten students set out to answer last week. We tried four different solutions to see if we could bring a shine back to our pennies. Three of our solutions didn't work, but it was exciting when our last combination of vinegar, water and salt worked and made our pennies look new again! Take a look on the experiment page of my blog if you'd like the recipe.
Do oil and water mix? The students were so surprised when the oil stayed on top of the water no matter how much they tried to mix it! What came next was even more startling. We added drops of food coloring. The food coloring did not mix with the oil and in fact, became dozens of tiny, colorful drops suspended in the oil. When a drop fell through the oil to the water, it definitely mixed with the water!
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